“Many developed countries have adopted the system and it has yet to affect productivity,” MTUC Secretary-General N Gopal Kishnam told the Malay daily.

He was asked to comment on Chief Secretary to the Government Ali Hamsa’s statement that Putrajaya will maintain the eight-hour working period for civil servants.

“The recommendation was made to the government two years ago after conducting a study on the working hours in several European and Scandinavian countries.”

Stating he was disappointed with the government’s decision, Gopal argued that those who worked long hours, specifically above nine hours, will see their productivity affected.

Gopal also said shorter working hours will not only increase productivity but reduce sick leave.

In September, Gopal proposed that the government consider reducing the working hours for civil servants from eight hours to six hours per day.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Abdul Karim said she was in favour of such a move as it would benefit families.

However, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Civil Service (Cuepacs) were against it, calling those who were pushing for it “lazy people”.

Cuepacs president Azih Muda pointed out that workers in Malaysia go for coffee breaks, take their children from school and “do many other things” during office hours.